Happy New Year To All PAPNM Members (ok it’s probably too late to say that, so)

Hi Everyone!

It is an honor to be President of PAPNM this year, and we are off to a great start.  In spite of a busy January, I have still been able to get out to paint, as I hope you all have too!

I want to begin by reminding everyone of the wonderful artists who are dedicating their time and energy to our truly special organization.  The 2025 Officers and Directors include: Vice President is Marcia Williams, Treasurer: Jane Frederick, Membership and Education Director: Deanne Kroll, Secretary: Kirk Winn, Communications Director: Elizabeth “Lise” Neer, Events Director: Katherine Gauntt, Sponsorship Director: Debbie Fowler Past President is of course Barbara Colemen.  Thank you to these folks, as well as to all of the Volunteers who helped with Shows in 2024, and have offered to help in 2025.  PAPNM is a vibrant organization, and we can’t accomplish everything we have planned, to make 2025 an exciting year, without help.  So please let us know if you are willing to volunteer, or to shadow one of the Officers and Directors above, to learn more about how PAPNM works and succeeds.

Plein Air Events for Everyone

A major goal for 2025 is to hold Paint Outs and Paint Alongs for everyone to attend and enjoy.  You may have seen an announcement for a Paint Along in February with Chris Morel, an amazing painter and member of PAPNM.  John Meister also has a paint along in March as well Debbie Fowler has gone above and beyond for 2025 with both paint outs and paint alongs.  The goal is to offer events for members to just want to go out and paint with fellow artists or great painters who are members of PAPNM, as well as competitive events like the National Show.  Be sure to spend some time on our Website to see all of the options available.

Abiquiu Paint In The Footsteps of Masters Plein Air Retreat

One of our first major Plein Air Community events will be our retreat at Abiquiu Inn at the end of April.  Check out the Website announcement to see how to participate.  The weekend will informal with lots of activity to paint on the grounds of the Inn.  Of course, you will be able to go further afield around the Abiquiu area, Ghost Ranch and Hernandez, New Mexico.  Much more to come on this exciting event.

Plein Air Painters of New Mexico 17th National Members Show – July 12 – August 8

It wanted to mention that we will be holding the show a little earlier in 2025.   Kristen Griego at Legends of the West Fine Art Gallery 102 East Water St Santa Fe NM. will host us again, and she has generously agreed to move the show into July right between all three of the major summer shows in Santa Fe.  The Opening and Award Reception will be July 12, 2025 from 6 - 8 pm.  The good news is that we will have much more opportunity for paintings to sell during the show, as this is peak summer tourist season.  However, the timeline has moved up.  If you want to submit to this show, be sure to read the prospectus right away and consult the dates so that you don’t miss the opportunity. By the way, we are still in need of a Chair and Co-Chair for this event, so please reach out if you can help.

We are looking forward to a great year and hope that you can share and enjoy all that PAPNM has to offer.